My time is coming to an end. College has flown by at the speed of light. It feels so strange to think about when I was a freshman and how old I felt to be in college. Now I walk around campus and I feel like a grandma at the ripe old age of 23. I can’t image staying up all night at a frat party kegger anymore. I just don’t have the stamina like I used to.
High school graduation seems like an eternity ago, and now I’m going to be walking the stage and receiving my college degree. It’s a trip. As I have gotten older, not that I’m old, but as I’ve gotten older I can feel myself becoming myself, I can feel and see change, and the world looks so different to me.
My whole life my parents always told me to enjoy being young, and all I wanted to do was hurry up and grow-up, but now that I’m grown-up I want the ride to slow down. I get what my parents have been saying; working eight hours a day is a drag.
I knew my days in school would end one day, but it seemed like such a distant reality that I never even really sat back and thought about it. Now the reality is so close I can feel the heat down the back of my neck. All I want to do is live every college day to the fullest and enjoy my youth.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
Dead Week
Is it true that Sac State is too alive for "dead week"? I have lived in a few different places in California and attended a couple of different colleges in my travels. One was Cuesta College, a J.C. on California’s central coast, and Humboldt State University. At both schools “dead week” was always allowed if not enforced. the school regulated the professors and didn't not allow them to break any of the rules of "dead week".
Dead week is the week before finals when no new material can be given and many professors cancel class to allow a week of review and studying for finals. This is a helpful time period to prepare for the stress that lurks during the week of hell. Finals are stressful, and the more time there is to prepare for them the better.
It seems that Sac State does not believe in this time of preparation. In fact many professors administer their final the week previous to finals week in what seems to be an effort to escape the semester a week early. I am fine with this idea, but what is not OK is the introduction of new material on top of strenuous studying. A girl can only take so much!
When a Sac State professor was asked why Sac State did not have a “dead week” he said, “Maybe we are just too alive.” Is this true? Do Sac State Students not need “dead week”?
Dead week is the week before finals when no new material can be given and many professors cancel class to allow a week of review and studying for finals. This is a helpful time period to prepare for the stress that lurks during the week of hell. Finals are stressful, and the more time there is to prepare for them the better.
It seems that Sac State does not believe in this time of preparation. In fact many professors administer their final the week previous to finals week in what seems to be an effort to escape the semester a week early. I am fine with this idea, but what is not OK is the introduction of new material on top of strenuous studying. A girl can only take so much!
When a Sac State professor was asked why Sac State did not have a “dead week” he said, “Maybe we are just too alive.” Is this true? Do Sac State Students not need “dead week”?
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Gun Control
I don't own a gun, and I'm not the type of person that will ever own a gun, but I do believe it is important to have the option of obtaining a gun if I ever felt like I needed one. The issue of gun control has been brought up recently in the political realm. The idea of banning hand guns has been brought to the table. Banning handguns will make the government believe that banning guns in general is ok and seen as an excepted belief by the American people.
I do understand the argument people have who are for the banning of hand guns. Their argument is that if there are fewer guns on the streets less people will be shot and killed due to unexcused hatred and violence. Other people might say if the government bans hand guns, riffles will be next, and the sport of hunting will be a thing of the past. These people are not seeing the bigger picture or looking far enough into the future.
The reality is the government’s talk of banning guns has nothing to do with street violence or dove hunting; it has everything to do with de-arming America. If the people are de-armed they won't be able to protect ourselves against the government. The government is the most powerful authority ruling our land, and we should fear it. The government shouldn't be telling us what to do and how to act; we should be telling our government what to do and how to act. That is what a republic is all about.
As soon as the government stops listening to us we need to be able to protect ourselves against the government revolt. I'm not an extremist implying that we will ever need guns to fight against our government, but what I am saying is that the ban of guns is leading us in the wrong direction. It brings the people farther away from leading, and closer to being told what to do.
I’m sad to say that I don't think anyone will agree with me for two reasons. First, people have become sheep and they are too worried about hating each other to worry about the government. Secondly, the average person would never think far enough into the future to believe that banning hand guns is part of the path that will lead to total government control.
Think about this, if you are unarmed and an armed person breaks into your home and attempts to kill you and your family how will you defend yourself? If the government de-arms its citizens then says they are taking over control of everything, what can we do to stop them?
This is all just food for thought. Like everything else, take it with a grain of salt, do your own research, and establish your own opinions.
I do understand the argument people have who are for the banning of hand guns. Their argument is that if there are fewer guns on the streets less people will be shot and killed due to unexcused hatred and violence. Other people might say if the government bans hand guns, riffles will be next, and the sport of hunting will be a thing of the past. These people are not seeing the bigger picture or looking far enough into the future.
The reality is the government’s talk of banning guns has nothing to do with street violence or dove hunting; it has everything to do with de-arming America. If the people are de-armed they won't be able to protect ourselves against the government. The government is the most powerful authority ruling our land, and we should fear it. The government shouldn't be telling us what to do and how to act; we should be telling our government what to do and how to act. That is what a republic is all about.
As soon as the government stops listening to us we need to be able to protect ourselves against the government revolt. I'm not an extremist implying that we will ever need guns to fight against our government, but what I am saying is that the ban of guns is leading us in the wrong direction. It brings the people farther away from leading, and closer to being told what to do.
I’m sad to say that I don't think anyone will agree with me for two reasons. First, people have become sheep and they are too worried about hating each other to worry about the government. Secondly, the average person would never think far enough into the future to believe that banning hand guns is part of the path that will lead to total government control.
Think about this, if you are unarmed and an armed person breaks into your home and attempts to kill you and your family how will you defend yourself? If the government de-arms its citizens then says they are taking over control of everything, what can we do to stop them?
This is all just food for thought. Like everything else, take it with a grain of salt, do your own research, and establish your own opinions.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
It's Just Hair
I cut 16 inches of my hair a few weeks ago and donated it to the public, non-profit organization Locks of Love. They provide hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. This was a hard decision for me because my hair was part of my identity and everyone I knew warned against me cutting my locks.
Although I loved my long hair, short hair is a blast and I recommend the donation to everyone. In fact, my friend Glynis donated 12 inches one week after I did. I don’t know what got into me, but I think it was the campaign with Ray Ramono, Jennifer Aniston and all those other celebs for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. I can’t watch those kids who need help and not do my part. I just can’t. I knew donating my hair was one of the only things I could do that might help.
Since then my family has gotten over the initial sock and grown to love my new short hair. All my colleges say I look more polished and put-together. My friends say they feel as if I’ve always had short hair because it looks so natural. Sometimes people don’t recognize me, but other then that this has been a positive experience and a highly recommended one as well. To donate your hair visit www.locksoflove.org.
Although I loved my long hair, short hair is a blast and I recommend the donation to everyone. In fact, my friend Glynis donated 12 inches one week after I did. I don’t know what got into me, but I think it was the campaign with Ray Ramono, Jennifer Aniston and all those other celebs for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. I can’t watch those kids who need help and not do my part. I just can’t. I knew donating my hair was one of the only things I could do that might help.
Since then my family has gotten over the initial sock and grown to love my new short hair. All my colleges say I look more polished and put-together. My friends say they feel as if I’ve always had short hair because it looks so natural. Sometimes people don’t recognize me, but other then that this has been a positive experience and a highly recommended one as well. To donate your hair visit www.locksoflove.org.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Las Tortugus
An intimate music festival called Las Tortugus, located in Groveland, rocked the world of only a 1000 people this weekend. For those of you who don’t know Groveland is minutes away from Yosemite.
The festival had a day of the dead theme and a happy Halloween spirit. Over the course of the four day festival live bands played from noon to four in the morning. Everyone in attendance emphasized the communal type of lifestyle and free love mentality.
A couple great things about this festival, besides the amazing music, are the free camping and close proximity to Yosemite. Yosemite is a great experience but during the fall months it is a life changing experience. All the trees’ leaves are on fire with brilliant color and during the right time of day the reflection of light off the sheer cliffs are tones of red and pink. It is truly breath taking.
This is not the only festival that has great music and good locations. Festivals such as the High Sierra Music Festival, Reggae on the River or Bobolink are all really great shows with great atmosphere. Tortugus was unique because it was such a small event and had a much more family orientated vibe to it.
The festival had a day of the dead theme and a happy Halloween spirit. Over the course of the four day festival live bands played from noon to four in the morning. Everyone in attendance emphasized the communal type of lifestyle and free love mentality.
A couple great things about this festival, besides the amazing music, are the free camping and close proximity to Yosemite. Yosemite is a great experience but during the fall months it is a life changing experience. All the trees’ leaves are on fire with brilliant color and during the right time of day the reflection of light off the sheer cliffs are tones of red and pink. It is truly breath taking.
This is not the only festival that has great music and good locations. Festivals such as the High Sierra Music Festival, Reggae on the River or Bobolink are all really great shows with great atmosphere. Tortugus was unique because it was such a small event and had a much more family orientated vibe to it.
Monday, October 22, 2007
This will burn if you live in So. Cal.
When will Southern California learn? Almost every year around this time there are headline stories regarding fires in southern California. Fireballs and fire storms have been burning down entire neighborhoods in southern California for years, and the homes are re-built in the same place every time.
The problem is the natural geography of that part of the state creates a perfect situation for fire. During that certain part of the year, when the Santa Anna Winds blow, everything is perfect for a fire storm. The mountain range creates perfect valleys to funnel the hot winds directly over all the highly resonated chaparral plant life. It’s a fire trifecta.
Chaparral plant communities store resins as they age and the longer they grow without a fire the larger the fire will be when they do ignite. These types of plants grow heavily in the valleys of the southern California Mountains. The hot winds are a catalyst to spontaneous combustion of these native plants, and boom, the neighborhood is up in flames.
I just want to know if the people that are buying these homes, or even worse, if the people that are re-building their homes in these areas have ever been told about these inevitable fire lands. They are living in areas that will eventually catch on fire. I don’t understand!
The problem is the natural geography of that part of the state creates a perfect situation for fire. During that certain part of the year, when the Santa Anna Winds blow, everything is perfect for a fire storm. The mountain range creates perfect valleys to funnel the hot winds directly over all the highly resonated chaparral plant life. It’s a fire trifecta.
Chaparral plant communities store resins as they age and the longer they grow without a fire the larger the fire will be when they do ignite. These types of plants grow heavily in the valleys of the southern California Mountains. The hot winds are a catalyst to spontaneous combustion of these native plants, and boom, the neighborhood is up in flames.
I just want to know if the people that are buying these homes, or even worse, if the people that are re-building their homes in these areas have ever been told about these inevitable fire lands. They are living in areas that will eventually catch on fire. I don’t understand!
Monday, October 15, 2007
President Gonzalez
Ever since the information about President Gonzalez and his friends' hunting trip, I have had my panties worked up in a bunch because I just can’t trust our administration at Sacramento State anymore.
I was already questioning the higher-ups when the pay raises for administration went public. I read in the Hornet that administration recently gave themselves pay raises and Gonzalez would now be making close to $300,000 a year. Why?
I want a job description Gonzalez!; I want to know what you are doing up there that is so hard as to merit $300,000 a year.
So the man makes a lot. Sac State has to pay him a lot becasue other universities are competive and we have to pay for the best. When i started reading things like that I got over it…sort of. But then, my art history class was canceled because our overhead projector wasn’t working properly, and the class is visual. Then the next day a similar thing happened in my column writing class, but in that class the projector wasn’t even in the room.
This makes me furious because our president is sitting on thousands and thousands of dollars and has connections with foreign hunting agencies and does million dollar deal with people, but this guy can’t even make sure each class room has an overhead projector; I seriously question Gonzalez and his leadership skills. I feel like he is exploiting his power as CSUS president and combing the wool over everyone’s eyes.
I’m one grain of sand and when I move, I move many, so read this and let my little flame fuel your fire. Let’s get pissed-off together and do something about it.
I was already questioning the higher-ups when the pay raises for administration went public. I read in the Hornet that administration recently gave themselves pay raises and Gonzalez would now be making close to $300,000 a year. Why?
I want a job description Gonzalez!; I want to know what you are doing up there that is so hard as to merit $300,000 a year.
So the man makes a lot. Sac State has to pay him a lot becasue other universities are competive and we have to pay for the best. When i started reading things like that I got over it…sort of. But then, my art history class was canceled because our overhead projector wasn’t working properly, and the class is visual. Then the next day a similar thing happened in my column writing class, but in that class the projector wasn’t even in the room.
This makes me furious because our president is sitting on thousands and thousands of dollars and has connections with foreign hunting agencies and does million dollar deal with people, but this guy can’t even make sure each class room has an overhead projector; I seriously question Gonzalez and his leadership skills. I feel like he is exploiting his power as CSUS president and combing the wool over everyone’s eyes.
I’m one grain of sand and when I move, I move many, so read this and let my little flame fuel your fire. Let’s get pissed-off together and do something about it.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Surfing is my Church
At 8:00 a.m. on Sunday morning millions of people around the world get out of bed, put on their Sunday-best and re-discover their moral beliefs within the walls of a church; Genesis 1: 1-15, John 4: 4-29, alleluia and praise the lord. My language is a little more like 3.4 Roxy, 7’6” NSP salty twists of hair and sandy feet.
Walls aren’t something I’m into all that much. My Sunday-best is my lucky tie-dyed bathing suit, my wetsuit and my long board. Every part of my surf trip is a spiritual routine, and a time to reflect on my past, present and future footprints. Once my wetsuit is on, the previously contemplated future footprints appear in the present as I walk on the cool sand down to the surf, the entire time keeping my eyes on the horizon.
There is something special about floating on the top of something immeasurable with mysterious worlds of darkness and savagery; and incredible healing qualities; it makes me think about what the world is really here for; why humans exist and the universes most abstract questions. I create my own religion based on my ideas of my surroundings and the meaning I think everything has.
The sheer power of the waves is enough to let anyone know how uncontrollable the ocean is. As the water level rises to my chest I hop on my board and paddle into the white walls pounding towards me. I can’t explain furry behind a wave of sand and water on its last leg-of-life toward the shore.
Once I’m past the break and bobbing on the glassy water I usually sit on my board awhile and soak up the vibrating energy of the water. I really can’t explain in words how it feels, but I would imagine its close to the feeling someone would get when their god has blessed them, or their prayers have come true.
Walls aren’t something I’m into all that much. My Sunday-best is my lucky tie-dyed bathing suit, my wetsuit and my long board. Every part of my surf trip is a spiritual routine, and a time to reflect on my past, present and future footprints. Once my wetsuit is on, the previously contemplated future footprints appear in the present as I walk on the cool sand down to the surf, the entire time keeping my eyes on the horizon.
There is something special about floating on the top of something immeasurable with mysterious worlds of darkness and savagery; and incredible healing qualities; it makes me think about what the world is really here for; why humans exist and the universes most abstract questions. I create my own religion based on my ideas of my surroundings and the meaning I think everything has.
The sheer power of the waves is enough to let anyone know how uncontrollable the ocean is. As the water level rises to my chest I hop on my board and paddle into the white walls pounding towards me. I can’t explain furry behind a wave of sand and water on its last leg-of-life toward the shore.
Once I’m past the break and bobbing on the glassy water I usually sit on my board awhile and soak up the vibrating energy of the water. I really can’t explain in words how it feels, but I would imagine its close to the feeling someone would get when their god has blessed them, or their prayers have come true.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
No Time
Time is the strangest thing. When you are as busy as a bee there is never enough time to complete multiple daily tasks, but when you have tons of free time, time seems to slowly ooze by; it's almost painful.
Staring at a clock can make time pass even slower. When you stare at a clock a second can amaze you and a minute might feel like an eternity. Time has the ability to get you fired, stress you out and give you anxiety.
The reality of time is that man created it to help organize life. Although it is a great way to coordinate events and get people to work simultaneously, people spend most of their time complaining about time. Some common complaints, or phrases, people will say about time are: There isn’t enough time, time moves too slowly, why aren’t there more hours in a day, I wish I could stop time, I’m always late, I need more time and many more.
For those of you who don’t have enough time I suggest you go on vacation and leave your watch at home. The worst part of leaving your watch at home will be constantly wondering 'what time is it?' when it really won’t matter.
Staring at a clock can make time pass even slower. When you stare at a clock a second can amaze you and a minute might feel like an eternity. Time has the ability to get you fired, stress you out and give you anxiety.
The reality of time is that man created it to help organize life. Although it is a great way to coordinate events and get people to work simultaneously, people spend most of their time complaining about time. Some common complaints, or phrases, people will say about time are: There isn’t enough time, time moves too slowly, why aren’t there more hours in a day, I wish I could stop time, I’m always late, I need more time and many more.
For those of you who don’t have enough time I suggest you go on vacation and leave your watch at home. The worst part of leaving your watch at home will be constantly wondering 'what time is it?' when it really won’t matter.
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